Prisca and Aquila, a devoted couple mentioned several times in the New Testament, stand out as examples of faith, hospitality, and dedication to spreading the Gospel. Their story, woven into the fabric of the early Christian church, provides valuable lessons for believers today. Takeaways for Today Prisca and Aquila’s lives may seem distant, but their […]
Romans 13:1-7: Respect for Authority, Even When It’s Tough
What’s the Idea? In a nutshell, Paul is saying that we should respect and obey the government. Whoa, hold on! Before you start listing all the reasons why that’s impossible, let’s dig a little deeper. Why Should We Respect the Government? But What If…? Okay, now for the tough questions. The Bottom Line Respecting authority […]
The Bridge between Judaism and Christianity – The Book of Romans
The book of Romans, written by the Apostle Paul, is a profound exploration of the relationship between Judaism and Christianity. It serves as a theological bridge, explaining how the new Christian faith is deeply rooted in and fulfils the promises of the old Jewish covenant. Key Connections Overall, the book of Romans paints a […]
Special Responsibility v Special Privilege – Romans 3 v 1-8
In Romans 3:1-8, the Apostle Paul addresses the question of what advantage the Jews have, given their special relationship with God. He acknowledges that they have been entrusted with the “oracles of God” (the Old Testament Scriptures), which is indeed a significant advantage. However, Paul emphasises that this advantage comes with a corresponding responsibility. The […]
Living a Life Pleasing to God
Romans 13:11-14 Commentary “And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” (v. 11) This verse serves as a powerful wake-up call to believers. It emphasises the urgency of living a righteous life in […]
Romans 5:1-11: The Fruits of Justification
Introduction Romans 5:1-11 is a pivotal passage in Paul’s letter to the Romans, where he elucidates the transformative effects of justification by faith. Having established the doctrine of justification in the preceding chapters, Paul now expounds on its glorious consequences for believers. This passage paints a vivid picture of the peace, hope, and joy that […]
Romans 1 v 8-15 – What’s Paul Saying
Hey everyone! Let’s dive into Romans 1:8-15. This is a letter from Paul, one of Jesus’ followers, to the Christians living in Rome. It’s kind of like an email or text from a friend, but way more meaningful! Paul starts by giving thanks for the Roman Christians. Their faith is spreading like wildfire, and everyone’s […]
Paul’s Intro: Servant, Apostle, Gospel
1 From Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God. 2 This gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, 3 concerning his Son who was a descendant of David with reference to the flesh, 4 who was appointed the Son-of-God-in-power according […]
Storge
“Storge” (pronounced stor-JAY) refers to the natural love and affection shared within a family. It’s the bond between parents and children, siblings, and extended family members. This type of love is often characterised by: While the word “storge” itself is not found in the Bible, the concept of familial love is deeply ingrained in Christian […]
Ashamed
The word “ashamed” holds a profound meaning that encompasses both negative and positive aspects. Negative Connotation Positive Connotation Redemption from Shame The Christian faith offers the hope of redemption from shame through the finished work of Jesus Christ. His sacrifice on the cross covers our sin and shame, allowing us to approach God with confidence […]
Propitiation
Propitiation refers to the appeasement of God’s wrath against sin through a sacrificial offering. It is a key concept in understanding the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. A breakdown of its meaning and significance Key Bible Verses
Romans 4 Faith
The Example of Abraham: Faith as the Basis of Justification In Romans chapter 4, Paul delves deeper into the concept of justification by faith, using Abraham as the prime example to illustrate his point. This chapter is pivotal in understanding the relationship between faith, works, and God’s grace in the process of salvation. Abraham’s Faith, […]